Message from Mubarak to Afworki on developments of Eritrean-Ethiopian dispute

The Ethiopian government Monday received a message from Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak dealing with the latest developments of the Ethiopian- Eritrean dispute.

In the message, handed over by Egyptian Ambassador in Addis Ababa Marawn Badr, Egypt voiced its deep concern over the resumption of hostilities between the Ethiopian and Eritrean sides.

"President Mubarak also urged halting military operations immediately and returning to the table of negotiations to settle the border dispute peacefully," the Ambassador told Middle East News Agency MENA, an Egyptian statement said.

President Mubarak Sunday received a message from his Eritrean counterpart Isaias Afworki, dealing with what he called new Ethiopian invasion of Eritrea, the capture of vast areas in the west and the displacement of thousands of Eritreans from their villages and towns.

Eritrea and Ethiopia renewed fighting last week across the disputed borders in the wake of the failure of the United Nations endeavours in resuming peace talks.